FORMING part of the Shakespeare 400 celebrations, Winchester Poetry Festival will present an all-day reading of the 154 sonnets by William Shakespeare on the Bard’s birthday, April 23.

The literary event, at Winchester Discovery Centre, is open to everyone and the festival organisers are keen to hear from anyone who would like to take part.

The aim is for each sonnet to be read by a different reader to provide listeners with a range of voices and interpretations.

Stephen Boyce, chairman of Winchester Poetry Festival, said: “We are keen to hear from readers from Winchester and further afield who would like to take part.

“This is a unique opportunity to bring together more than 150 readers in an all-day reading, all of whom will bring their own voice to the poems.”

To take part, visit winchesterpoetryfestival.org or send an e-mail to [email protected].